Do you have a story to share about childcare costs? Tell us by sending an email to: editorial@bigissue.com
CHILD POVERTY
One million children experienced destitution last year. We asked the children’s minister what he plans to do about it
Families across the country continue to suffer as the cost of living crisis rages on, with one million children experiencing destitution last year. It is a figure that should spark anger and action, so The Big Issue asked the new children’s minister David Johnston what he planned to do about it.
Here’s what he said. And our analysis of his response.
What he said
“What we have is a very generous childcare offer. An individual parent will be able to earn up to £100,000 and be able to claim this even if two are under that threshold. So while it’s not directed at certain types of incomes, it will help the vast majority of families.”
The reality
The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) found that the poorest third of families “will see almost no direct benefit” from the government’s expansion of free childcare.
Charities Coram and the Joseph Rowntree Foundation have also said that the childcare reforms will disproportionately benefit higher income families. This is because the expansion of free childcare is targeted at working families.
By September 2025, working families will be entitled to 30 hours of childcare support each week until their children reach school.
